Job Description:
The Resident Director is responsible for the successful operational delivery of all WorldStrides programs in Amsterdam. The role involves oversight of student services, faculty-led program operations, financial administration, health and safety, local partnerships, and strategic development.
The Resident Director serves as the primary local representative of WorldStrides and plays a key role in ensuring an outstanding experience for students, faculty, and institutional partners.
Responsibilities:
1) Faculty-Led (Custom) Programs
Responsible for the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of faculty-led programs.
- Plan and coordinate educational itineraries and program schedules.
- Coordinate program logistics from confirmation through completion.
- Arrange accommodations, transportation, restaurant bookings, and local services.
- Confirm operational services and requirements with suppliers.
- Prepare rooming lists, operational documentation, and briefing materials.
- Liaise with faculty before, during, and after programs. Coordinate participant communications.
- Manage operational changes and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
- Support on-site program delivery when required.
- Conduct post-program reviews and evaluations.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvement and efficiency.
2) Individual (Study Abroad) Programs
Responsible for supporting students throughout their study abroad experience at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Fall, Spring and Summer sessions)
- Coordinate student arrivals and departures.
- Arrange and oversee airport transfers.
- Deliver and coordinate orientation programs (BCO).
- Coordinate student housing, primarily through Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and approved housing providers.
- Conduct housing inspections as required.
- Ensure that students register at municipality
- Support student welfare and well-being.
- Organize student activities, cultural events, and excursions.
- Provide operational support throughout the semester.
- Coordinate with local partners and service providers.
- Support students with day-to-day operational matters.
- Resolve issues affecting the student experience.
3) Financial Administration & Accounts Payable
Responsible for supporting the financial administration of Amsterdam programs and ensuring compliance with company procedures.
- Assist with budget forecasting and financial planning.
- Support financial reporting and reconciliation through Concur and related systems.
- Monitor program costs and support cost-control initiatives.
- Collect and process supplier invoices.
- Review invoices for accuracy and operational compliance.
- Prepare invoices for payment approval.
- Prepare and submit expense reports.
- Manage petty cash and reconciliation processes.
- Maintain accurate financial and operational records.
- Prepare documentation for payment runs.
- Maintain supplier files and records.
- Support administrative and compliance requirements.
4) Tour Leadership & Programme Delivery
Responsible for supporting field operations and program delivery when required.
- Acting as Tour Director where/when operationally required.
- Escorting student groups.
- Delivering programme briefings.
- Briefing and supporting Tour Directors, Tour Leaders and Tour Guides.
- Coordinating programme logistics while travelling.
- Monitoring operational quality during programmes.
- Resolving operational issues in the field.
- Supporting professors and students throughout programme delivery.
- Representing WorldStrides professionally at all times.
5) Health, Safety & Student Welfare
Responsible for supporting the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
- Support crisis management procedures in collaboration with WorldStrides' dedicated support teams.
- Promote student well-being and positive engagement.
- Respond appropriately to health, safety, and welfare incidents.
- Coordinate medical appointments and hospital visits when necessary.
- Prepare and maintain incident reports.
- Liaise with faculty during incidents or emergencies.
- Escalate significant incidents according to company protocols.
- Support emergency response procedures.
- Maintain confidential and accurate records.
6) Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Responsible for maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in Amsterdam
- Develop and maintain relationships with university partners, housing providers, vendors, and local institutions.
- Represent WorldStrides in meetings, networking events, and partner engagement activities.
- Identify and support opportunities to strengthen local partnerships and enhance the student experience.
- Act as a key point of contact for external stakeholders and community partners.
7) Strategic planning.
Responsible for supporting the long-term success and growth of WorldStrides operations in Amsterdam.
- Collaborate with supervisors on operational planning and strategy implementation
- Monitor local trends, opportunities, and challenges to support informed decision-making.
- Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve program quality, efficiency, and growth.
- Support the implementation of new initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree
- Significant experience in the travel and tourism industry
- Experience planning and delivering group travel experiences (Preferably for International student groups)